The modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post, located on the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, is an important step in the fight against customs fraud and smuggling. Under the leadership of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) carried out a major project aimed at maximizing State revenue under optimal conditions.
One of the key achievements of this project is the construction of a modern 2,600 square meter building housing the customs services and equipped with all the necessary equipment to ensure effective controls. This building, inaugurated by President Tshisekedi, demonstrates the Congolese government’s commitment to modernizing border crossings and guaranteeing transparent management of trade flows.
In addition to the main building, the project also includes the construction of an 8-kilometer reinforced concrete bypass road, the creation of a cross-border corridor, the construction of bonded warehouses and two parking lots for up to 1 500 trucks. Accommodation has also been provided for customs officers, thus helping to improve their working conditions.
For the DGDA, this modernization will speed up the processing of customs files and optimize vehicle rotation. Thanks to a partnership with the Congolese company TRAFIGO SARL, managed by Magalie Kayitesi Raway, the DGDA mobilized its own resources to finance this project.
The system put in place by TRAFIGO SARL made it possible to maximize customs revenue at the Kasumbalesa post. Thanks to efficient software for traceability and collection of taxes and fees, as well as transparent procedures integrated into the banking system, the DGDA’s revenues experienced an impressive increase from the first year of implementation, increasing on average from 700 1000%. This system has made it possible to effectively combat fraud and customs revenue leakage practices in the region.
In addition to its economic aspect, this project to modernize the Kasumbalesa border post is part of President Tshisekedi’s desire to promote Congolese female entrepreneurship. Magalie Kayitesi Raway, head of TRAFIGO SARL, is an example of success in this area and embodies the President’s vision for women’s empowerment.
This successful experience in Kasumbalesa could serve as a model for the modernization of other customs posts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region. By improving infrastructure and implementing modern customs revenue management systems, the Congolese government is helping to facilitate cross-border trade and stimulate economic development in the region..
In conclusion, the modernization of the Kasumbalesa border post is a concrete example of President Tshisekedi’s commitment to fighting fraud and maximizing state revenue. Thanks to strategic partnerships and innovative mechanisms, the DGDA has succeeded in setting up modern and efficient infrastructure, thus contributing to the economic development of the region and the empowerment of Congolese women entrepreneurs.